You will be greeted and registered by our reception staff. Any doctor’s orders and previous diagnostic studies will be collected at this time. We also will copy your insurance cards. Prior to the start of the scan, one of our technologists will ask you a few brief questions about your medical history and the possible presence of metallic objects in your body. You will be asked to remove any metallic objects such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, and possibly nonpermanent dentures. You will be able to store all of your personal belongings in a locked dressing room.

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete necessary paperwork.

What about payment?

Insurance companies may require predetermination prior to your exam. We can assist your doctor in obtaining pre-certification for you. Please remember to bring your insurance card with you to your appointment. Payment and insurance co-pays may be requested at the time of service. For your convenience, we accept cash, checks, MasterCard and Visa.

How do I get my exam results?

One of our on-site radiologists will review the images and provide the results to your physician within 24 hours of your exam, or the next business day.

What should I do with my cell phone/pager?

Your cell phone and pager cannot go into the scan room. You will be able to secure them in a locked dressing area.

What happens during the MRI scan?

Once in the scan room, the technologist will help you onto a padded exam table where you will be comfortably situated. While the scan is in progress, you will hear intermittent, loud knocking noises that are normal. The most important thing to remember is that you must remain motionless during the exam to prevent the images from blurring. Throughout the procedure, the technologist will be able to speak with you via an intercom. Most exams take from 30-45 minutes. Unless you were pre-medicated, you may resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.

Is MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses no radiation. Instead, an image is produced using a powerful magnet and radio-frequency energy.

How do I prepare for my MRI?

For some abdominal MRIs, you will be asked not to drink or eat for four hours prior to your scan; otherwise you may eat or drink anything you normally would. If you are on medication or a restricted diet, continue to follow those instructions.

Please notify us if you are pregnant, or have any of the following:

- Pacemaker
- Aneurysm clip
- Eye implant
- Hearing implants
- Bone stimulator
- Implanted defibrillator

Prior to your scan, you will be asked to leave these items that are not compatible with a magnetic field in a safe, locked dressing room:

- Coins
- Jewelry
- Watches
- Glasses
- Credit cards
- Hearing aids
- Keys
- Hair pins
- Cell phones and pagers
- Other metal objects

What should I wear to the exam?

Please wear loose-fitting clothing with no metal hooks, zippers, buckles or snaps. We also provide hospital gowns and scrub pants for your convenience. You will be able to keep your personal belongings in a locked dressing room.

Are there any precautions I should know about?

Because of the magnet used in the scanner, do not bring any of these items into the exam room: oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, metal objects, credit cards, watches, hair accessories and undergarments with metal or wire fasteners. We do have wheelchairs and oxygen tanks for your use which are compatible with our MRI scanners.

Can anyone be scanned?

You cannot be scanned if you have a cardiac pacemaker or metal (i.e.; slivers or shrapnel) in your eyes. There are other implanted devices that are not compatible with MRI scanners such as defibrillators, cerebral aneurysm clips, certain types of inner ear implants and retinal tacks. All patients are thoroughly screened by the MDC staff to make sure they are safe to be scanned.